Mitryasova, O. CHRONICLES OF THIRST: DOCUMENTING MYKOLAIV'S WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN A WAR-AFFECTED CITY: Monograph. Mykolaiv: PMBSNU, 2026, 124 p.

CHRONICLES OF THIRST: DOCUMENTING MYKOLAIV'S WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN A WAR-AFFECTED CITY Fig. 1.6. Bohoyavlensk spring, Fig. 1.7. Professor Fyodor Erisman 1950. The first investigated the quality drinking water of the city of Mykolaiv. According to the development plans of that time, the Spasskaya district became a real "water hub" of the city. The following main arteries operated here: the glorious Spassky Fountain, a spring at the top of the Varvarovsky Descent; The palace fountain, which the inhabitants later dubbed "Dry". The latter was located on the corner of the State Orchard, and its name eventually became a symbol of the variability of water resources in the steppe. The city grew, and with it new wells were bitten deep into the earth. If in 1809 there were only 11 of them in the center, then in other parts of the city there were already 35. These mines reached a depth of up to 10 fathoms (more than 21 meters) - incredible work for that time. However, even such a number of wells could not quench the thirst of Mykolaiv. A special caste of professionals appeared on the streets — water carriers (Fig. 1.8). In 1863, a whole army of 60 men and two hundred barrels traveled daily between the springs and the houses of the townspeople. However, the hot southern summer was unforgiving. Water was chronically scarce, and its price during drought became exorbitant for the poor. Unsuccessful contract and hygienist's verdict The critical situation with water forced the authorities to act more decisively. In 1883, the city seemingly found salvation. An agreement was signed with the entrepreneur A. von Brunhof. The conditions were tough but promising. Brunhof pledged 50 thousand rubles and undertook to create a full-fledged network in three years, in return receiving a monopoly on operation for 45 years. 15